Employment Equity – What Resources are Out There?
Employment Equity (EE) is becoming an increasingly important topic for South African businesses, particularly with recent amendments to the Employment Equity Act (EEA). While not a direct SIZA audit checklist requirement, suppliers who operate in agriculture and related sectors should be aware of the legal obligations and the practical steps needed to stay compliant. The…
SIZA Auditors Training - September 2025
The SIZA Auditor Training, held on 15 and 16 September, brought together a diverse audience, both virtually and in person. Seventy auditors, schedulers, and reviewers from the seven SIZA-recognised audit firms joined from across the country for two days of learning, collaboration, calibration, and insightful discussions. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect face-to-face, exchange…
SIZA Introduces QR Code Security Feature for Audit Completion Letters
The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA) has introduced a new, enhanced security feature to strengthen the integrity and transparency of its audit process. Going forward, all Audit Completion Letters (“certificates”) will include a unique QR code that allows instant verification of their validity. When scanned, the QR code will automatically confirm whether the specific…
Choosing the Right Carbon Footprint Advisor: Essential Pre-Appointment Checks
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in global trade, businesses are under growing pressure to measure and manage their environmental impact. Understanding their carbon footprint for agricultural suppliers is no longer just a regulatory checkbox — it’s a competitive advantage. Accurate carbon footprinting helps ensure compliance with global requirements and opens doors to improved efficiency, cost…
Ensuring Audit Compliance Through Biodiversity and Ecosystem Monitoring
Continually monitoring a representative species or habitat justified in environmental terms is essential to the SIZA Environmental audit with the LEAF Bolt-On. Monitoring a representative species serves as a key indicator of on-farm biodiversity and an indicator of the effectiveness of Integrated Farm Management (IFM) practices that conserve and enhance biodiversity over time. By measuring…
South African Citrus Suppliers are making a Remarkable Impact.
As we approach the end of the citrus season in South Africa for most regions, it is remarkable to see how well citrus suppliers are performing in compliance. Audit results as of 1 April show a dramatic increase of 55% in the number of environmental audits conducted nationwide compared to last year. Even more impressive, 72% were…
Pollinators: Why they should be carefully considered
Including bees and pollinators as key species within the Landscape and Nature Conservation and Enhancement Plan is an essential aspect of the SIZA Environmental and LEAF Bolt-On audit. Pollinators are immensely valuable, not only to farming operations but also to food security as a whole. They are essential for producing fruits, vegetables, seeds, etc., directly…
Strengthening Compliance: SIZA’s Training and Supplier Support Impact
From April to July 2025, SIZA has significantly strengthened supplier engagement and capacity building across South Africa’s agricultural sector. Through 11 online webinars and five in-person training sessions, more than 1,200 participants have benefited from practical guidance, open dialogue, and direct interaction with SIZA staff. Covering a wide range of compliance, environmental, and social responsibility…
